Modular stadium seating and method of installing same

ABSTRACT

Aspects of modular stadium seating installation are disclosed featuring the use of pre-engineered parts assembled in buildingblock fashion at the stadium site. Installation specialists are utilized to gain maximum labor efficiency; the first specialist performing the first step of the method by utilizing an elongated template laid on the stepped base so as to conform thereto for reference to guide apertures through which the studs are explosively driven into the concrete stepped base of the stadium. Each stud is in turn utilized to form a pivot point for turning the template end over end to locate the next stud. A riser support is mounted on each stud by a second specialist and plumbed, the second fastener is located by the predrilled hole in the riser support and a mounting hole is drilled. A cross bar of the framework is installed by a third specialist with adjustable fastener means and leveled for mounting of the longitudinal support rails by a fourth specialist; said rails being bowed by slight bending of the sections and slight gaps formed at interconnections at each bracket to conform to the curvature of the stadium. Tread support of the seating is effected by similar steps with the juncture between the tread and the riser of the stepped base serving as a reference. Support brackets are equally spaced along the row for support of threeseat units therebetween; the last bracket in a row being spaced a multiple of L/3, where L equals the normal distance between brackets so that maximum seating spaces are provided. A cantilever support of L/6 or onehalf of a seat unit is provided at the end of each row.

United States Patent Tipton Apr. 25, 1972 MODULAR STADIUM SEATING AND METHOD OF INSTALLING SAME [72] Inventor: Max E. Tipton, Easton, Pa.

[73] Assignee: Seating Company of America Inc., Easton,

[22] Filed: Oct. I6, 1970 [ll] App]. No: 81,282

Primary Examiner-Price C. Faw, Jr. Attorney-Lowe and King 5 7 1 ABSTRACT Aspects of modular stadium seating installation are disclosed featuring the use of pre-engineered parts assembled in building-block fashion at the stadium site. Installation specialists are utilized to gain maximum labor efiiciency; the first specialist performing the first step of the method by utilizing an elongated template laid on the stepped base so as to conform thereto for reference to guide apertures through which the studs are explosively driven into the concrete stepped base of the stadium. Each stud is in turn utilized to form a pivot point for turning the template end over end to locate the next stud. A riser support is mounted on each stud by a second specialist and plumbed, the second fastener is located by the predrilled hole in the riser support and a mounting hole is drilled. A cross bar of the framework is installed by a third specialist with adjustable fastener means and leveled for mounting of the longitudinal support rails by a fourth specialist; said rails being bowed by slight bending of the sections and slight gaps formed at interconnections at each bracket to conform to the curvature of the stadium. Tread support of the seating is effected by similar steps with the juncture between the tread and the riser of the stepped base serving as a reference. Support brackets are equally spaced along the row for support of threeseat units therebetween; thelast bracket in a row being spaced a multi ple of L/3, where L equals the normal distance between brackets so that maximum seating spaces are provided. A cantilever support of L/6 or one-half of a seat unit is provided at the end of each row.

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MODULAR STADIUM SEATING AND METHOD OF INSTALLING SAME The present invention is related to modular stadium seating, and more particularly, to method and apparatus aspects of installation of modular stadium seating and a supporting framework therefor utilizing pre-engineerecl components assembled on-site to give any desired number of seat modules or units to form a row.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In the past. the most widely used form of stadium seating has been plank-type bench seats. In order for the contractor to install bench seats, prefabricated T-shaped brackets are commonly shipped to the stadium site for attachment to the stepped concrete base. At the site, a chalk line is laid out by at least two installers working in concert and the prefabricated brackets are spaced along the line in equal spaces previously figured by the architect for that length row. This requires the installers to read a detailed blueprint before mounting the brackets and to make a cross mark on the chalk line for each bracket in each row. This procedure affords an area in which there is a considerable chance of a mistake being made.

First, the chalk line cannot be made to accurately conform to the curvature of the stadium; the two points at the ends of the line necessarily always being closer to riser than the center of the line. Also, the installers commonly lay off the spacing between the brackets (the cross mark on the chalk line) utilizing a typical fold-up rule which requires a reading (proven source of possible error) to be taken at each point and along each row. Thus, only after the chalk line and cross marks have been made. the installation of stud fasteners can follow by drilling and setting the same in the base. Once the brackets have been positioned with the fasteners, suitable planks are still to be supported on the top thereof. Next, holes for the securing bolts are drilled from underneath, the bolts are inserted and tightened down; again, usually requiring two individuals to perform this difficult task. The bench is then finally divided into an equal number of seats; again, inserting a chance for measurement errors.

In other arrangements of bench type stadium seating, an attempt has been made to eliminate the difficult and time consuming task of having to take multiple measurements and to work from underneath the seats in drilling for and applying the fasteners to the planks. To do this, bench seats sometimes come preassembled in standard lengths, which are then pieced together by at least two individuals to form a row of seats. But, the curvature of the stadium must be accommodated thus leading to unsightly angles and gaps between the sections. These exposed gaps at the abutting ends of the sections also provide a hazard in that upon shifting of weight on adjacent seats, there is liable to be a pinching action to the spectator occupying the seat spanning the gap. Also, each row is required to have a special section of seats to be positioned at the end in order to complete the row since in most instances the length of the row will not conform to the standard length. The problems of expensive and time consuming custom fabrication of these end sections and matching the sections to the intended spots is self evident. Lastly, the assembled sections are bulky, and thus in addition to requiring at least two workers to handle the same during installation as mentioned above, they are difficult to ship and to store when necessary.

Accordingly, it is one object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for installing modular stadium seating wherein the parts are assembled in a building block fashion by individuals working independently at the stadium site with a minimum chance of mistake.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a method wherein the reading of blueprints by the installer is minimized, and unskilled laborers, each performing a specific task, may be efficiently used.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a method of installing modular stadium seating wherein the use of a template eliminates the need for lay-out with chalk marks, thereby greatly enhancing the speed and efficiency of locating and securing the mounting studs in position.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a system of installation wherein the component parts are individually positioned to insure proper placement, orientation and leveling of the framework regardless of irregularities in the stadium base.

It is another object of the present invention to set up the steps of a method of installing seating so as to make optimum use of top drive fasteners and power tools to actuate the same, and to permit easy inspection for certification by top viewing only.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a system wherein installation proceeds smoothly and without alteration in order to compensate for curvature and other variaitions in the stadium base.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a framework and seating combination and method of installation of the same wherein only the final support in a row is varied from a predetermined spacing from the adjacent support and cantilever support is provided at the ends.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Thus, to consider the present invention briefly, it is directed to a method for installing stadium seating of the modular type and the framework therefor wherein pre-engineered components are assembled and mounted in situ in such a manner increasing the efficiency and quality of work, and at the same time compensate for curvature in the stadium base and other variations therein. The first step of the installation is the mounting of equally spaced studs along the stadium riser face by utilizing an explosive tool in combination with carbide tipped studs. Each stud is accurately spaced by use of a template having spaced holes at opposite ends so that one worker can handle the task by himself. The template positions the location for the stud in the horizontal direction, and by spacing from the lower edge thereof positions in the vertical direction also. The explosive tool drives the stud through the template hole whereupon the stud becomes a pivot point for the template for then swinging the template end over end to the next stud location. Utilizing this step obviates any mistake as to measurement that was previously necessary with the chalkline method and allows one unskilled installer to accurately set fasteners at a rate not heretofore approached by previous chalk-line methods.

A vertical riser support is next attached, preferably by another specialist, to the stadium base on the installed stud and temporarily held in position by a nut or other suitable fastener cooperating with the stud. A level is used along the side of the riser support to bring the same into plumb. A third installation specialist thus has the position for the second fastener located for him and the base is drilled using a second hole in the riser support as a guide. The second fastener or stud is inserted, a nut is applied, and tightened to a finished predetermined torque limit along with the nut for the first fastener.

A horizontal cross bar is next attached by a fourth specialist to the top of the vertical riser by fastener means fitted in oversize hole means to allow adjustment in a horizontal plane. The level is then placed on the cross bar and when a level reading is obtained, the bolts are tightened into position, again to a predetermined torque. At this point, i.e., with the completion of the formation of the T-shaped support brackets, there is provided a horizontal supporting surface that faithfully follows the contour of the stadium. Sections of parallel rails or runners, preferably of a length to extend between adjacent brackets, are then conformed to the curvature of the stadium and fixedly attached in a horizontal plane to the two cantilevered ends of the cross bar of the support bracket. Finally, the modular seats are installed by attachment in supported relationship to the rails by special fasteners, as more clearly set forth in the earlier filed U.S. Pat. application, Ser. No. 72,416, filed Sept. 15, 1970, in the names of myself and Wilmer R. Schultz as inventors and assigned to the same assignee as the present invention.

The sections of the runners may be sized in length according to the degree of curvature built into the seating base. Thus, the greater the curvature or smaller the radius, and thus the greater the bowing of the rails necessary, the shorter the runner sections must be made. Thus, at each interconnection the gap between the ends of the rails gives the visual effect of gradual bowing of the rails along their entire length. Each such interconnection is designed to occur at a support bracket where adjacent rails are attached thereto. Also, a small degree of physical bending of the rail sections may be induced along their length to add to the overall bowing of rails. The seat modules advantageously cover the gaps between the rails and faithfully conform to the curvature to give a pleasing gentle curve along the entire length of a row and eliminate any chance of pinching a spectator.

The ends of the runners are cantilevered beyond the final bracket in a row by a distance equal to approximately one-half the width of a seat module. This not only enhances the appearance of the seating combination but also insures that the rails are properly supported by a bracket at the end of the row.

Utilizing the building block method, all fasteners are freely accessible before the next component is attached and they are positioned for driving from above. Special clamps and fasteners in the framework are all adapted for power tool actuation to insure the proper torque for uniform installation. These features further add to the overall speed and efficiency with which the seating may be installed.

In this disclosure, there is shown and described only the preferred embodiment of the invention, but, as aforementioned, it is to be understood that the invention is capable of various changes or modifications within the scope of the inventive concept as expressed herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a template which is utilized in performing a step of the installation method for stadium seating according to the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the stadium base where installation is to be performed and showing the use of the template and stud driving or setting means;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the vertical positioning of the riser support;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the leveling of the cross bar and forming the T-shaped support bracket;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the location of the stud positions along the tread ofthe stepped base;

FIG. 5a is showing of the positioning step for the riser support when mounted on the tread;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the mounting of the rails and seat unit to complete the framework and seating combination; and

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing rows of seats and spaced supports for rows varying by asingle seat unit width.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION With reference now to FIGS. 1-7 of the drawings, the method of installation of modular stadium seating can be seen in detail. A reference to the drawings in sequence will impress on those skilled in this art, the simplicity of the steps and the improved efficiency gained over previous methods. It should be noted from the beginning that the steps are designed to be performed by individual installation specialists whose duty is to perform and repeat the step with referencing only to the previous component installed so that the chances of mistake are minimized.

In FIG. 1 is shown a template T that forms the nucleus of the improved installation procedure of the present invention. As

shown in this figure, the template T is made of an elongated body 10, which can be and is preferably fabricated of thin gauge aluminum. The flexibility of the body 10 is important to allow the template T to conform to the curvature of a stepped base S, as shown in FIG. 2. Of course, other flexible materials may be utilized, such as plastic; however, aluminum is preferred because of its ability to be formed in extremely thin gauge while maintaining the requisite strength necessary for repeated use.

Adjacent the ends of the body 10 are provided guide apertures 11, 12 that may be identified on the body 10 by appropriate guide indicia, such as A, B. These apertures are for the purpose of locating or identifying the spacing L between fasteners. A third guide aperture 13 is suitably positioned as an alternative guide C between the end apertures 11, 12. In the preferred embodiment illustrated, the aperture 13 is positioned at L/3 with reference to the aperture 12; said aperture 13 thus being 2L/3 from aperture 11. The center line of the apertures 11-13 is positioned a distance D from the edges of the template T and the end edges are formed as a radius, as illustrated in FIG. 1.

The use of the template T by the first installer-specialist to locate the lower stud fasteners 15 along the riser 16 of the stepped base S can be seen in FIG. 2. The first operation in this step is to locate the first stud 15 from edge 17 that forms the adjacent boundary of an aisle 18. This is done by employing a suitable gauge mark 19 spaced a distance L/6 from the aperture 11 and aligning this mark with the edge 17. As this is done, the template T is held flush against the riser 16 with the lower edge resting on tread 20, as shown in the dotted line position of FIG. 2. The stud 15 is applied to the concrete stepped base S through the guide A as shown; it being understood that the operations are exactly as will now be described with respect to the next stud 15 in line.

Thus, with the template T in its first full spacing position and with the guide A secure on the first stud 15, the template T is again pressed into firm engagement with the riser 16 to insure that the proper spacing is obtained even if there is a curvature to the base S, and the edge is brought into engagement with the lower tread 20, and then the opposite end guide B accurately locates the position for the second stud 15 (at a horizontal distance L and vertical distance D from the references). For greatest efficiency, an explosively operated gun is utilized to drive or set these studs, as depicted by the showing of a gun head 25. The head 25 is appropriately aligned with the end of the template T by suitable guide marks (not shown) before being driven through the aperture 12 into the final mounted position. The studs 15 are carbon tipped to allow penetration of the concrete base and any suitable explosive drive tool, such as that manufactured under the trade name of RAMSET, may be utilized as the power tool for this operation.

The first specialist is now immediately ready to install the third stud. The gun head 25 is removed from the second stud, the guide aperture 11 is removed from the first stud, with the installer being careful to retain the guide aperture 12 in engagement with the second stud. The template T is now pivoted end over end, as noted by the dashed line arrow 26 in FIG. 2, and positioned so as to again conform to the riser l6 and the tread 20 thereby locating the position for the next stud; i.e., locating a position with spacing L from the second stud and distance D above the tread 20. This sequence is repeated over and over along the entire length of the row until the final lower stud is to be positioned, which will be explained later. The accurate location is assured each time since there are no measurements to make, no chalk lines to mark and no confusing compensations to be made for the curvature of the stadium.

The second installation specialist in the team is given the duty of mounting a vertical riser support 30 in the form of an angle on each lower stud 15, as shown in FIG. 3. He puts the support 30 and a nut 31 on the lower stud 15 to temporarily hold the support 30 in an upright position. Next a level 32 having a vertical sensor 33 is held flush against outwardly extending leg 34 of the angle. The support 30 is pivoted about the pivot point afforded by the stud against the resistance caused by the frictional engagement with the face of the riser 16. until a reading of plumb or perpendicular to the tread is reached by centering of the bubble on the sensor 33.

The third installer utilizes a drill 35 guided by a predrilled aperture 36 in the support 30 whereupon a hole for setting the second fastener is made. Since the upper hole 36 is positioned close to juncture 37 between the riser l6 and the tread 20 above, drilling rather than explosive setting is most important in order to prevent possible fracturing or splaying of the concrete in this area due to the extremely high pressures existing in the concrete when stud is set by an explosive tool. Also, the use of the drilling step allows the use of the hole 36 as a guide, whereas an explosive gun would be impractical due to the substantial thickness of the support and the inherent inability of the gun to work when the driven member is not firm against the surface into which it is driven. Also, the side obstruction afforded by the leg 34 interferes with the funnelshaped guard on the end of the gun head making accurate positioning over the aperture 36 difficult.

As shown in FIG. 4, a second nut 38 is attached to the upper stud and both nuts 31, 38 are tightened by the third installer thus rigidly fixing the support in the upright position. Power tool 39 is used for this purpose and this is possible since studs 31, 38 are at this point easily accessible to the workman, i.e., there is no additional structure in position to hinder his work from above. With the power tool 39, a uniform, predetermined torque may be applied to the nuts 31, 38 for uniformity of installation but without risking damage to or loosening of the fasteners.

The next installer, i.e., the fourth individual who may, for example, be the same person as the first installer since a number of studs 15 can by this time be set, is given the responsibility of mounting a cross bar 40 across the top of the riser support 30. To do this, a pair of holes 41 are predrilled through the leg 34 and the mating leg of the cross bar 40 so as to receive suitable bolt 42 and nut 43 fastening means. The holes 41 in accordance with the invention are oversized thereby permitting adjustment of the cross bar 40 in the horizontal plane. Thus, the installer fastens the bolt and nut combinations 42, 43 so as to temporarily hold the cross bar 40 in position by the frictional contact with the leg 34. Then a level 44 with a horizontal gauge 45 is placed on top. When a level reading is obtained, the bolt and nut combinations 42, 43 are tightened to securely hold the cross bar in position by the frictional interface between the parts. The upper surface of the cross bar 40 thus provides an accurately gauged horizontal surface that forms the positioning function for the remainder of the framework to be described. The cross bar 40 is substantially perpendicular to the riser support 30 in this position so as to form a T-shaped tower bracket, generally designated by the reference numeral 46.

With the fabrication of the brackets 46 at the stadium site, certain advantages are gained. Specifically, the riser supports 30 are positioned accurately in spaced relationship to each other by a fixed distance L. Furthermore, if the face of the riser 16 is not exactly plumb, as it is in many instances, the cross bar 40 is not thereby rendered unlevel, as it would be with a prefabricated bracket; but each cross bar 40 is simply leveled with the aid of the adjustable joint 41-43 by the installer. Further, by utilizing oversized mounting holes 41, the cross bars 40 may be shifted transverse to the longitudinal axis of the row, that is to say forward and backward, to allow for curvature of the stadium. With these features, the adjacent brackets 46 have cross bars 40 that have the upper supporting surfaces in a single plane and have their cantilevered ends connectable by gently curving lines along the entire row, which is ofgreat importance as will presently be seen.

ln FIGS. 5 and 50, there is illustrated the manner in which the upright tread support 30a is mounted on tread 20 in accordance with the present invention. In this instance, the template T is laid flat along the forward edge of the tread 20 and the edge is aligned with the juncture 37 between said tread 20 and the adjacent riser 16 below. In order to conform to the curvature of the juncture 37, the body 10 of the template may be fabricated in this case from a suitable plastic material or it may be permanently curved to approximate the curvature of the stadium. In any case, the studs 15a are installed as before utilizing the stud firing gun with head 25 for the rearmost stud, that is the stud farthest removed from the edge or juncture 37. After each rear stud 15a is installed, the template T is, as before, pivoted in the direction of the arrow 260, but which in this case is in a horizontal plane rather than in a vertical plane.

The vertical tread support 30a is then fastened into position by the next individual workman in a temporary manner by the nut 31a thereby leaving the other predrilled aperture located forward in position for easy drilling. Prior to drilling, however, the level tool 32 with the straight edge of one end is placed insubstantial alignment with the juncture 37. This aligns the leg 34 so as to be substantially perpendicular with the riser l6 and thus in proper position to assure conformance with the curvature of the base. After alignment is gained, the second nut 38 is applied and both nuts 31, 38 are tightened down to permanently locate the tread support 3011. At this point, the cross bar 40 (see FIG. 4) is mounted by use of the predrilled oversized holes 410 and adjusted exactly as recited above.

Thus proceeding to FIG. 6, elongated rails, generally designated by the reference numerals 50, 51 are installed, with individual sections 50a, 51a and 50b, 51b spanning the distance between adjacent support brackets 46. The end sections 50a, 51a are equal to one unit length L plus a cantilever section equal to L/6, while the internal or standard sections 50b, 51b are equal to the length L, which will be remembered as being the distance between adjacent brackets 46. The cantilever overhang of the rails serves the function of enhancing the appearance of the seating by placement of the end bracket 46 so as to be substantially obscured from normal view, but also serves the function of insuring that the final or last bracket in the row engages the rail sections 50a, 51a. in other words, at the end of the row opposite to that shown in FIG. 6, if a slight discrepancy has occurred and accumulated along the length of the rails 50, 51, to cause slightly shortened rails, there is no chance that the final rail section will not be supported. The overhang or cantilever portion will merely be slightly less than the design calls for. Similarly, if the rail sections accumulate an error to cause an excess length at the end, then the cantilever overhang will be slightly increased but which will not impose a problem since the design characteristics include a substantial safety factor in the strength of the rails.

The standard sections of the rails, such as the sections 50b, 51b, partially shown in FIG. 6, are as mentioned above equal to a nominal length L between the brackets 46 and thus form an interconnection joint 52, 53 at each bracket 46. These interconnection or butt joints are of substantial importance in gaining the overall slight radius of curvature built into the base S. This is done by the installer of the rails 50, 51 making an adjustment at each interconnection 52, 53 in accordance with the curvature needed and uniformly along the entire length of the row. The interconnection may thus include a slight gap along the rear rail 51 in order to give a curve with the same radius center as that provided by the front rail 50. Also, as previously mentioned, the cross bars 40 may be adjusted in a horizontal plane in order to provide more or less curvature at any given interconnection 52, 53.

It has been found that with the foregoing building block installation procedure, where adjustments are made as the installation progresses including leveling and positioning of the cross bar 40, and utilizing rail section concept, substantially any curvature can be met. The length L is selected in order to best suit the installation being made. For example, if the radius of curvature is small (rate of curvature being large) the shorter the distance L that is selected for the rail sections. For a typical stadium curvature along the sides of a bowl-shaped stadium the normal length L is selected as 54 inches. 1f the radius of curvature is especially tight (small) then it may be desirable to provide the rail sections 50a, 50b and 51a and 51b with a permanent bend to approximate the curvature. Again, any variation existing and necessary to be corrected on site, may be accomplished by the installer adjusting the position of the cross bar 40 and the width of any gaps at said interconnections 52, 53.

The rails are clamped securely into position by a plurality of inverted U-shaped clamps 60 with cooperating self-threading screws 61. It will be noted that these parts are suitably driven into engagement by top drive since there are no obstructions at this point in the installation process, and power tool 39 or the like with an appropriate operating head may be utilized to secure the same in position. Each of the sections 50a, 50b and 51a, 51b and the remaining sections are secured by the clamps 60. At each of the cross bars 40 except for the first and final brackets in a row, two clamps 60 are utilized along each rail 50, 51 to form the interconnections.

At this point, the framework is completed and can be generally designated by the reference numeral 70 as it is illustrated in FIG. 6. Next, the seat modules or units 71 are installed by placement on the upper surfaces of the parallel rails 50, 51. End caps 72 are provided to finish the ends of the row and finish strips 73 are positioned between each of the juxtaposed seating units 71 (only one such seating unit shown in FIG. 6). Barrel nuts 74 are driven on upstanding studs 75 to secure each unit 71 in position, and as more clearly discussed in the previous copending application. However, it should be noted that again top drive fasteners are utilized in the form of the nuts 74 so that no time consuming and difficult operations under the seats need be performed for installation. The seat units 7] completely cover the interconnections 52, 53 so that an uninterrupted and safe row of seats is obtained.

In accordance with a final feature of the present invention, the number of seats in a row is made to correspond in whole seat numbers depending on the length of the space for a row so that maximum utilization of the space in a stadium is gained. This can be explained by reference to FIG. 7, wherein is shown a plurality of sections, designated by the length L, and starting at the lefthand end, and each being of an equal length. In the preferred embodiment shown, the width of the seat units 71 is in a ratio of 1:3 to the length L (between adjacent brackets 46). The cantilever overhang at the end of the rows is designed to be one-half ofa seat unit, or L/6.

In order to finish out the row with a maximum number of seat units, (as an example when the above ratio is adopted) the righthand end of rows in FIG. 7 adopts a spacing between the final two, adjacent supports 46 of L/3, 2L/3, or L, which is in reality, merely a multiple of L where L equals the distance between adjacent brackets 46. The final bracket is provided again with a cantilever section, L/6 so that the ends of this rail section will be assured of properly being supported by the final bracket and for improved appearance.

In positioning the final bracket 46, the first installer makes use of the alternative aperture 13 (guide C) when less than a full section is used. When L/3 is the final length the aperture 12 is placed on the penultimate stud l and the aperture 13 thus locates the final stud. When 2L/3 is to be used the apertures l1 and 13 are utilized in a similar manner.

The power tool 39 is adjusted by each installer to a predetermined torque for each fastening operation, which torque has been previously selected from prototype tests to give the most desirable holding force and uniformity of installation throughout. Thus, the torque is sufficient to clamp the parts rigidly together for secure frictional holding at the interface between the parts, but without risking pulling out of the studs or stripping of threads.

Once the framework and seating assembly of FIG. 6 has been completed, the final inspection and certification may be made by an expedited viewing procedure wherein only the visible portions must be viewed by the architect. This is so, since the assembly is put together on a building block theory wherein each part may be installed only after the previous part has itself been properly installed. If any component part has not been installed, or installed improperly, the tolerances of the seat module or unit 71, for example, are such that the discrepancy in fit would be visible. In reality, since each installer is a specialist and performs the duties in a repetitive manner, and the following individual installer can act as a check on the previous step being properly performed, the chances of improper installation are minimized.

From the above, it can be seen that a highly simplified and efficient system of installation has been discovered for modular stadium seating. The template T quickly and accurately places the studs 15. The T-shaped support brackets 46 are always insured of having a level upper support surface and accurately spaced cantilevered ends for placement of the rails 50, 51, as a result of the unique, building block type positioning steps of FIGS. 3 and 4. The interconnections 52, 53 formed in mounting the rail sections provide for adaptation of the framework 70 to the curvature of the base in a pleasing manner. The seating modules 71 and finish strips 73 completely cover the framework 70 so that no safety hazard is provided to the spectator. Finally, the installation along a row is simplified by spacing the brackets 46 an equal distance apart along the length except for the final bracket in a row, which is positioned at a multiple of the seat unit or module width.

In this disclosure, there is shown and described only the preferred embodiment of the invention, but as aforementioned, it is to be understood that the invention is capable of various changes or modifications within the scope of the inventive concept as expressed herein.

1 lclaim:

1. A method of erecting modular stadium seating in situ on a stepped base with fasteners comprising the steps of laying on said base so as to conform thereto an elongated template having spaced guide apertures adjacent its ends, applying each fastener in turn to said base, passing the fastener through one of said apertures, turning said template end over end while retaining the aperture on the last succeeding fastener, remov ing said template from each fastener in turn, mounting upright supports and seat supporting framework on said supports on each fastener, positioning seat units on said framework in sequence and in juxtaposition to each other, and securing said seat units in position, whereby the efficiency of installation may be enhanced by installation specialists and any variations in the stepped base may be accommodated.

2. The method of erecting stadium seating recited in claim 1 wherein said upright support is mounted on the riser of said stepped base.

3. The method of erecting stadium seating as claimed in claim 2 wherein said template is laid on its edge along the tread of said stepped base to vertically position each fastener on the riser.

4. The method of erecting stadium seating recited in claim 1 wherein said upright support is mounted on the tread of said stepped base.

5. The method of erecting stadium seating as claimed in claim 4 wherein said template is laid flat along said tread and steps are included of aligning the outer edge of said template with the juncture between said tread and said riser support to horizontally position each fastener on the tread and aligning the operative face of said upright support for engagement with said framework so as to be perpendicular to said juncture.

6. The method of erecting stadium seating recited in claim 1 wherein said template is bowed along its longitudinal axis to conform to the existing curvature of said base.

7. The method of erecting stadium seating as in claim 1 wherein said step of applying each fastener in turn is performed by explosively driving a fastener into a concrete base.

8. The method of erecting stadium seating as claimed in claim 1 wherein is further provided the step of positioning said supports equidistant apart except for the last support in a row, utilizing said template for laying a distance for the last support equal to a multiple of L/3, where L equals the normal distance between said supports.

9. The method of erecting stadium seating as claimed in claim 1 wherein is further provided the step of partially tightening said fastener to temporarily hold said upright support in an upright position, positioning said support perpendicular to the tread of said stepped base, attaching a second fastener to said base by passing the same through a mounting aperture formed in said upright support and tightening both of said fasteners to rigidly hold said support in position.

10. The method of erecting stadium seating recited in claim 9 wherein the positioning of said upright support is performed by placing a level tool along a side of said support parallel to the axis thereof and moving said support and said level tool together until a register of vertical is received.

11. The method of erecting stadium seating as claimed in claim 9 wherein the application of the second fastener is provided by drilling a hole in said base as guided by the mounting aperture in said upright support, and securely setting said second fastener in said aperture.

12. The method of erecting stadium seating as claimed in claim 1 wherein the steps of mounting said framework and securing said seat units are performed by applying a power tool to fasteners from above the framework and limiting the torque of said power tool to a predetermined level for uniformity of installation.

13. The method of erecting stadium seating as claimed in claim 1 wherein the step of mounting said framework includes positioning a cross bar on top of each upright support substan tially perpendicular thereto, horizontally leveling said cross bar, and securing said cross bar to said riser support to form T- shaped tower brackets of said seating framework.

14. The method of erecting stadium seating as claimed in claim 13 wherein is further provided the steps of mounting elongated rails in parallel so as to interconnect said tower brackets by positioning said rails on the cantilevered ends of said cross bars and fastening said rails in position to complete the seating framework.

15. The method of erecting stadium seating as claimed in claim 14 wherein said rails are mounted with a slight bow along the longitudinal axis thereof to conform to a corresponding curvature in said base, said cross bar being shifted horizontally on said upright support to insure proper conformance to the curvature.

16. The method of erecting stadium seating as claimed in claim 14 wherein said rail is applied in sections, each section substantially spanning the distance between adjacent brackets, the ends of said rails being positioned so as to form a cantilever with the last bracket in a row.

17. The method of erecting stadium seating as claimed in claim 1 wherein the steps of laying said template and applying said fasteners is performed by an individual prior to mounting said upright support by an individual, whereby installation specialists may be utilized for the separate steps.

18. The method of erecting stadium seating as claimed in claim 17 wherein the step of mounting said framework is completed by an individual prior to positioning said seat units in position by an individual, whereby installation specialists may be utilized for the separate steps.

19. A method of erecting supporting framework in situ for modular stadium seating in a row on a stepped base comprising the steps of providing a plurality of evenly spaced, predetermined support locations along said row, mounting upright supports of said framework with a single fastener in turn along said base at said evenly spaced locations, leaving said fastener sufficiently open to move said supports, positioning each support in turn perpendicular to the tread of said stepped base, applying a second fastener, tightening said fasteners to rigidly hold said support in position, positioning a cross bar on top of each riser support substantially perpendicular thereto, leveling said cross bar, securing said cross bar to said upright support to form T-shaped tower brackets of said seating framework, mounting elongated rails so as to interconnect said tower brackets by positioning said rails on the cantilevered ends of said cross supports, and fastening said rails in osition to complete the seating framework. 20. e method of erecting supporting framework for stadium seating as claimed in claim 19 wherein said rails are mounted in sections and with a slight bow along the longitudinal axis thereof to conform to a corresponding curvature in said base.

21. The method of erecting supporting framework for stadium seating as claimed in claim 20 wherein the sections are applied to have each section substantially spanning the distance between adjacent brackets, the ends of said rails being positioned so as to form a cantilever with the last tower bracket in a row.

22. The method of erecting supporting framework for stadium seating as claimed in claim 19 wherein the last T-shaped tower bracket in a row is spaced a distance less than the distance between said predetermined locations whereby rows varying in length may be installed.

23. The method of erecting supporting framework for stadium seating as claimed in claim 22 wherein three seats are to be installed on said framework between said predetermined locations, positioning said last tower bracket of said seating framework from the adjacent bracket a distance shorter than the predetermined spacing and a multiple of L/3, where L equals said predetermined spacing.

24. The method of erecting supporting framework for stadium seating as claimed in claim 23 wherein said locations are provided by laying a template in successive positions along the tread and utilizing locating apertures in said template at U3 and 2L/3 for locating the last tower bracket to adjust to different row lengths.

25. The method of erecting supporting framework for stadium seating as claimed in claim 19 wherein the steps of securing said cross bar and mounting said rails are performed by applying a power tool to fasteners from above the framework and limiting the torque of said power tool to a predetermined level for uniformity of installation. 

1. A method of erecting modular stadium seating in situ on a stepped base with fasteners comprising the steps of laying on said base so as to conform thereto an elongated template having spaced guide apertures adjacent its ends, applying each fastener in turn to said base, passing the fastener through one of said apertures, turning said template end over end while retaining the aperture on the last succeeding fastener, removing said template from each fastener in turn, mounting upright supports and seat supporting framework on said supports on each fastener, positioning seat units on said framework in sequence and in juxtaposition to each other, and securing said seat units in position, whereby the efficiency of installation may be enhanced by installation specialists and any variations in the stepped base may be accommodated.
 2. The method of erecting stadium seating recited in claim 1 wherein said upright support is mounted on the riser of said stepped base.
 3. The method of erecting stadium seating as claimed in claim 2 wherein said template is laid on its edge along the tread of said stepped base to vertically position each fastener on the riser.
 4. The method of erecting stadium seating recited in claim 1 wherein said upright support is mounted on the tread of said stepped base.
 5. The method of erecting stadium seating as claimed in claim 4 wherein said template is laid flat along said tread and steps are included of aligning the outer edge of said template with the juncture between said tread and said riser support to horizontally position each fastener on the tread and aligning the operative face of said upright support for engagement with said framework so as to be perpendicular to said juncture.
 6. The method of erecting stadium seating recited in claim 1 wherein said template is bowed along its longitudinal axis to conform to the existing curvature of said base.
 7. The method of erecting stadium seating as in claim 1 wherein said step of applying each fastener in turn is performed by explosively driving a fastener into a concrete base.
 8. The method of erecting stadium seating as claimed in claim 1 wherein is furtheR provided the step of positioning said supports equidistant apart except for the last support in a row, utilizing said template for laying a distance for the last support equal to a multiple of L/3, where L equals the normal distance between said supports.
 9. The method of erecting stadium seating as claimed in claim 1 wherein is further provided the step of partially tightening said fastener to temporarily hold said upright support in an upright position, positioning said support perpendicular to the tread of said stepped base, attaching a second fastener to said base by passing the same through a mounting aperture formed in said upright support and tightening both of said fasteners to rigidly hold said support in position.
 10. The method of erecting stadium seating recited in claim 9 wherein the positioning of said upright support is performed by placing a level tool along a side of said support parallel to the axis thereof and moving said support and said level tool together until a register of vertical is received.
 11. The method of erecting stadium seating as claimed in claim 9 wherein the application of the second fastener is provided by drilling a hole in said base as guided by the mounting aperture in said upright support, and securely setting said second fastener in said aperture.
 12. The method of erecting stadium seating as claimed in claim 1 wherein the steps of mounting said framework and securing said seat units are performed by applying a power tool to fasteners from above the framework and limiting the torque of said power tool to a predetermined level for uniformity of installation.
 13. The method of erecting stadium seating as claimed in claim 1 wherein the step of mounting said framework includes positioning a cross bar on top of each upright support substantially perpendicular thereto, horizontally leveling said cross bar, and securing said cross bar to said riser support to form T-shaped tower brackets of said seating framework.
 14. The method of erecting stadium seating as claimed in claim 13 wherein is further provided the steps of mounting elongated rails in parallel so as to interconnect said tower brackets by positioning said rails on the cantilevered ends of said cross bars and fastening said rails in position to complete the seating framework.
 15. The method of erecting stadium seating as claimed in claim 14 wherein said rails are mounted with a slight bow along the longitudinal axis thereof to conform to a corresponding curvature in said base, said cross bar being shifted horizontally on said upright support to insure proper conformance to the curvature.
 16. The method of erecting stadium seating as claimed in claim 14 wherein said rail is applied in sections, each section substantially spanning the distance between adjacent brackets, the ends of said rails being positioned so as to form a cantilever with the last bracket in a row.
 17. The method of erecting stadium seating as claimed in claim 1 wherein the steps of laying said template and applying said fasteners is performed by an individual prior to mounting said upright support by an individual, whereby installation specialists may be utilized for the separate steps.
 18. The method of erecting stadium seating as claimed in claim 17 wherein the step of mounting said framework is completed by an individual prior to positioning said seat units in position by an individual, whereby installation specialists may be utilized for the separate steps.
 19. A method of erecting supporting framework in situ for modular stadium seating in a row on a stepped base comprising the steps of providing a plurality of evenly spaced, predetermined support locations along said row, mounting upright supports of said framework with a single fastener in turn along said base at said evenly spaced locations, leaving said fastener sufficiently open to move said supports, positioning each support in turn perpendicular to the tread of said stepped base, applying a second fastener, tigHtening said fasteners to rigidly hold said support in position, positioning a cross bar on top of each riser support substantially perpendicular thereto, leveling said cross bar, securing said cross bar to said upright support to form T-shaped tower brackets of said seating framework, mounting elongated rails so as to interconnect said tower brackets by positioning said rails on the cantilevered ends of said cross supports, and fastening said rails in position to complete the seating framework.
 20. The method of erecting supporting framework for stadium seating as claimed in claim 19 wherein said rails are mounted in sections and with a slight bow along the longitudinal axis thereof to conform to a corresponding curvature in said base.
 21. The method of erecting supporting framework for stadium seating as claimed in claim 20 wherein the sections are applied to have each section substantially spanning the distance between adjacent brackets, the ends of said rails being positioned so as to form a cantilever with the last tower bracket in a row.
 22. The method of erecting supporting framework for stadium seating as claimed in claim 19 wherein the last T-shaped tower bracket in a row is spaced a distance less than the distance between said predetermined locations whereby rows varying in length may be installed.
 23. The method of erecting supporting framework for stadium seating as claimed in claim 22 wherein three seats are to be installed on said framework between said predetermined locations, positioning said last tower bracket of said seating framework from the adjacent bracket a distance shorter than the predetermined spacing and a multiple of L/3, where L equals said predetermined spacing.
 24. The method of erecting supporting framework for stadium seating as claimed in claim 23 wherein said locations are provided by laying a template in successive positions along the tread and utilizing locating apertures in said template at L/3 and 2L/3 for locating the last tower bracket to adjust to different row lengths.
 25. The method of erecting supporting framework for stadium seating as claimed in claim 19 wherein the steps of securing said cross bar and mounting said rails are performed by applying a power tool to fasteners from above the framework and limiting the torque of said power tool to a predetermined level for uniformity of installation. 